After the stunt through Piltover, word spread like wildfire. Quickly her power grew and she was able to materialize with less strain on her powers. Soon, without the help of Orion, Viktor, Jayce, or Powder, she was able to float freely above both Zaun and Piltover, clearing the skies of smog.
Within the day, both Piltover and the Undercity were free of smog and toxic fumes.
"I didn't think those fairy tales were real," Claggor said, drinking from his whiskey flask.
He sat in the dim, mostly empty bar alongside Mylo, Vi, Vander, and Silco.
"No kidding," Mylo nodded. "I thought he'd just lost a few screws after... y'know, the whole imprisonment thing."
Vander and Silco exchanged a glance.
"He did," Silco murmured. "But turns out, there were still a few left in place."
"We should've trusted the boy more- I shouldn't have let him..." Vander trailed off. "The Undercity will continue to thrive with this alone. We need to make the most of it."
Smirking, Silco leaned on the counter. "I'd say it's time to rally the cause. Orion of Zaun, converting Piltover's finest inventors- Viktor and Jayce- and cleansing the air we breathe."
"Janna's appearance gives all the support we need to demand independence," he finished with quiet triumph. "We've won. Not the Council, not the Noxians- no one would provoke the wrath of a god."
"You're right," Vander said, nodding. "It looks that way. This idea of freedom may come at last without any more bloodshed."
"All it took was a god to intervene."
"But how are we even supposed to apologize to Orion?" Vi interjected, drawing the others' eyes. "Are we sure he won't just... y'know, kick our asses for all the shit we put him through?"
Claggor shook his head. "I doubt it. Orion was never that kind of person."
"You never know," Mylo muttered, uneasy. "Could've been waiting under his mattress all this time, just waiting for the opportunity."
"Maybe. But Janna wouldn't support that- if the legends are true. And now that she's back we don't have to worry about it either."
"It's a little pathetic," Vi commented, her wry smile failing to hide the guilt.
"He's right, though," Silco said, drawing Vi's annoyed glare. "Janna acts as a shield against his instability. She has a long history of protecting Zaun- even if it was unnoticed. Compared to him? She's stable."
"We should still try to make things right with Orion," Vander added. "He'll be tired and hungry when he gets back. We'll throw him a party. Plenty of food. It's the least we can do."
"What about Ambessa?" Claggor asked, frowning.
"I doubt that Noxian, cunning as she is, would dare interfere now," Silco said with a scoff. "The war ended with Orion's stunt. It's over."
A slow ripple of nods passed through the group.
And from there, they began to plan- not for war, but for a celebration.
--------------------
"I would've never thought Janna would descend once again," Heimerdinger admitted, awe and excitement laced through his tone.
The Council had been summoned. Orion, Viktor, and Jayce were nowhere to be seen. To be precise, they had not been invited. The Council wished to convene privately first.
Ambessa sighed, her expression tight with annoyance. The bruising and cuts across her skin were still healing but since Janna's appearance, her belligerent posturing had eased.
"Is this it?" Hoskel asked, tapping his fat stomach with displeasure. "Have we lost the Undercity?"
"Yes," Mel nodded, her tone laced with frustration and perplexity- but also a hint of relief. "This is as far as the conflict goes."
"Janna will support their independence, or..." She hesitated. "Maybe... there's a chance she wants the city to remain unified."
"Why would she do that?" Skoll asked, her metallic fingers clinking together. "We've not exactly treated them well. No doubt she sympathizes with them."
"Indeed," Mel agreed. "But Piltover and the Undercity, if the legends are true, are like two siblings to her. And if that's the case, it would break her heart to see them severed."
Bolbok's gears whirred. "She may force unity. The Undercity is not lost yet."
"Now, now," Heimerdinger interjected, raising his fluffy hands. "Let us not act hastily! Any political decisions now would be inappropriate. We should wait and enjoy her presence and the wonders she brings! There is much I want to learn from her myself if possible."
"Heimerdinger is right," Mel said, nodding. "Attempting to influence a descended goddess will not go over well with the citizens of either city. We should wait, observe, and prepare for her judgment."
A heavy silence fell across the chamber. Ambessa's sharp gaze swept across them all, unreadable, but she remained quiet.
"All in favor?" Mel asked, glancing at Ambessa with subtle apprehension before raising her hand to signal the vote.
--------------------
"We've done it!" Jayce raised his fists into the air.
"That we have," Viktor smiled, gazing out at the cheering crowd in front of their laboratory. "This will stop the fighting. There will be peace- unity! No longer does either side need to fear violence or mistreatment!"
"Temporary is the change that I bring," Janna hummed, her swirling winds gently supporting a sheepish Isha whom she slowly lowered to the ground.
'I wanted to help,' Isha signed toward a frowning Orion.
"It's alright. Everything worked out," Orion smiled and beckoned her over.
Grinning wide, she ran forward, straight past him, and dove into Jinx's arms with a fierce hug.
"OI! Why-?!"
Orion gaped as both girls stuck their tongues out at him, Isha even pulling down an eyelid.
"This is bull."
But the celebration was swiftly cut short.
"The corruption emanating from the Hexgate must be cleansed before we can proceed further," Janna's ethereal voice rang out, halting the laughter and quieting the crowd.
Her gaze settled on Viktor and Jayce, who shifted uneasily under her aura- guilt subtly creeping across their expressions.
"You two must heal what you've corrupted," she commanded, then turned to Orion. "And you must continue to restrain yourself."
"For how long?" Orion frowned. "I still need your guidance learning this magic."
"With time," Janna said softly. "Rest, for now. I will continue to shield this city from their eyes."
'I'm not against her suggestion. I am tired,' Orion admitted mentally, nodding to her.
"I will accompany you to the Undercity," Janna added with finality. "Then I must depart for a short time."
Powder let out a low whistle.
"To be seen walking next to a goddess? Can't beat that for fame."